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Nutrigenomics and You!

NutrigenomicsThere are many people who feel that they are not able to achieve their health goals in spite of a conscientious diet and fitness routine. Even regular health checks do not seem to help. Is there any method to identify and bridge the gap? Nutrigenomics is the science that looks at the interaction between our diet and lifestyle habits and how they affect our DNA in terms of regulating genes responsible for metabolism, development, and overall wellness.

Why is it Important to Understand Nutrigenomics?

  • Common dietary elements can act on our DNA, either directly or indirectly, to alter gene expression or structure. For example, dietary fat/carbohydrate intake affects genetic activity, metabolism rates, adiposity and thereby, a likelihood of weight gain (obesity).
  • Sometimes, for some of us, diet can be a serious risk factor for many diseases. For example, carriers of MTHFR gene variants may have lower enzyme activity and hence a higher risk for developing folate deficiency. In such instances, a reduced intake of Vitamin B6-containing foods may trigger clinical manifestation — screening can help implement dietary changes to manage health better.
  • The impact of diet on the balance between healthy and diseased states depends on our DNA. For example, variation in the SOD2 gene can alter the the antioxidant activity and increase the risk for excessive oxidative damage. Individuals who carry such variants need to ensure richer portions of antioxidants in their diet. Exercise routines can be planned with adequate rest between heavy workouts for repair/recovery.
  • Some diet-regulated genes (and their common variants) can affect the onset, incidence, progression, and/or severity of chronic diseases.
  • Chronic diseases can be prevented, mitigated, or addressed through dietary intervention based on the knowledge of nutritional requirement, nutritional status, and genotype. For example, certain gene variants can increase the likelihood of developing gluten intolerance. Genetic screening can help identify such risk factors for dietary intervention if required. This can have a positive impact on health, overall wellness, as well as athletic performance.

What Can You Learn From Nutrigenomics?

  • Your power to absorb vital nutrients required for a healthy body and mind
  • The impact of nutrients on various organs and pathways
  • Nutritional factors that can protect your genome from damage
  • Impact of genes on your lifestyle, diet, fitness, habits, etc.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Test?

The answer is NOW! Nutrigenomics are once-in-a-lifetime tests that are noninvasive. From newborns to nonagenarians, anyone can take this test. Whether you are starting your wellness journey or a veteran health and fitness expert, these tests can help you get to know yourself better.

How Can You Use It To Improve Quality Of Life?

Nutrigenomics can be the game-changer that empowers you on your wellness journey or enables you to achieve your fitness goals. Here’s how it works:

  1. Genetic tests are available online — you order one and receive the sample collection kit, along with a health history questionnaire.
  2. Once you send the sample, your DNA is extracted and analyzed for several key markers associated with diet, fitness, well-being, disease risk, and more.
  3. The genetic counselor correlates genetic findings with health history to offer personalized nutrition, fitness, and wellness advice.
  4. Your nutritionists and personal trainers can also be part of the genetic counseling session in order to design diet plans and fitness routines that work for you.

Sharing her views on the importance of Nutrigenomics, Pooja Ramachandran, India’s pioneering genetic counselor says, “The need for personalizing nutrition was seen soon after the conclusion of the Human Genome Project and the ensuing impact of personalized medicine. Nutrigenomics is poised to be a powerful tool for nutritionists, dietitians, doctors as well as any healthcare professional in using nutrition therapy for the treatment of disease. More importantly, Nutrigenomics may facilitate the prevention of diet-related diseases, and help design individualized nutritional strategies based on anticipated adverse or beneficial impacts of specific food or nutrients for a particular individual.”

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Foods That Help Cure Sinusitis!

Foods for SinusitisHave you woken up one morning with terrible pain in your forehead or between your eyes? To add to this agony, you experience a swelling face, stuffy nose and congestion. Your upper teeth hurt and it feels like your head is about to explode! If you have these symptoms, it is an indication of Sinusitis!

What is Sinusitis?

Sinus points are basically air spaces in your skull lined with mucous membranes. Most people have four sets of nasal sinuses.

  1. Two in the forehead above the eyes
  2. One inside each cheekbone
  3. A group of them, called the Ethmoid Sinuses, behind the bridge of the nose
  4. Another group behind the nose and underneath the brain called the Sphenoid Sinuses

These sinus points are like fingerprints. If there is an infection in these points, it leads to a condition called Sinusitis. Basically, it is an inflammation of the sinus cavity due to a virus, bacteria or fungus. Tiny hair-like structures called Cilia move mucus across Sinus Membranes, towards an exit.

All of your sinus cavities connect to your nose to allow a free exchange of air and mucus. Infections or allergies affect the sinus tissues, making them inflamed, red and swollen. But don’t worry, nature is loaded with remedies for most conditions!

Foods That Help Cure Sinusitis

  1. Spicy Foods: Hot spices like pepper, chillis (capsicum), jalapenos, relieve sinus congestion as they help release the mucus that causes a stuffed nose. Spicy foods help in opening the sinus cavity and promote the restoration of normal breathing.
  2. Garlic: contains an enzyme called Allicin that destroys bacteria and viruses that cause Sinusitis.
  3. Vitamin E: found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils helps you get rid of a sinus congestion.
  4. Zinc: in Lean Meat, Poultry, Licorice and Seafood helps in relieving a congestion.
  5. Warm Herbal Teas: like Peppermint, Ginger, Licorice and Holy Basil (Tulsi) teas are some of the best for your sinuses and throat during a bout of Sinusitis. Tea moistens mucus membrane, helping to clear the sinus network.
  6. Chicken Soup: contains an amino acid called cysteine that causes a runny nose and clears out the nasal congestion.
  7. Leafy Green Veggies, tomatoes, oranges, yellow fruits and veggies contain Vitamin A that helps build a healthy mucus membrane.
  8. Grapefruits, Oranges and Lemon are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Thus, they help clear a sinus congestion. Oxidation damage can contribute to Chronic Sinusitis. Antioxidants protect the mucus membranes from free radical damage.
  9. Pineapple is rich in antioxidants which protect the delicate mucus membranes from damage. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, breaks down the junk that builds up in sinuses and reduces inflammation.
  10. Coconut Oil is very good at reducing inflammation and also in killing many bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Try oil pulling with a spoonful of coconut oil and you’ll notice your sinuses clear up. Simply swish around a spoonful of it for five to ten minutes and spit it out.
  11. Turmeric/Ginger Root: Turmeric root is wonderful, fragrant and contains natural anti-inflammatory Curcumin. This spice is also an antioxidant. When combined with spicy ginger root and brewed for hot tea, this combination can help loosen mucus from clogged nasal passages, alleviate sinus pressure, and make you feel better all around. Ginger root also has the added bonus of calming an upset stomach – a frequent side-effect of excessive night time sinus drainage.
  12. Apple Cider Vinegar: acts as a boon for sinus infections. Firstly, it is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory that can kill the destructive microorganisms which cause the infection. Secondly, it helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level, which helps breaking up mucus and discourage the proliferation of the condition.

Worst Foods For a Sinus Infection

  1. Caffeine weakens your adrenal glands and causes sinus congestion
  2. Fried foods/Processed foods containing additives are best avoided during a sinus infection
  3. Foods with high sugar content, especially ice cream, worsen a sinus infection
  4. Refined carbs like bread, pasta, and rice do not help during sinus congestions
  5. Fermented foods like cheese worsen sinus
  6. Starchy heavy foods like noodles are not for people with a sinus problem
  7. Milk is known to worsen a sinus congestion as it thickens mucus and promotes microbial growth
  8. Foods high in saturated fats like egg yolk and meat are to be avoided during a sinus infection

Keep your sinus clean and relax, breathe refresh and stay healthy! We hope this article helped you. Please do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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Almond Milk! Cheers to Good Health!

In recent months, you must have come across the term Almond Milk either in some recipes or even cooking shows. Ever wondered what it is or how it is made? Surely, it isn’t the already famous “Badam Milk” that we’re used to but something totally different from that! 

Almond Milk, in its essence, is an inexpensive, healthy alternative to conventional dairy that you can easily make at home. It is great for those who cannot or choose not to drink cow’s milk. It is made by grinding almonds, mixing them with water and filtering the mixture to create a product that looks a lot like milk and has a nutty flavour. 

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe 

  1. Soak 1 cup of almonds for up to 2 days 
  2. Drain and rinse the almonds 
  3. Blend almonds with 2 cups of water
  4. Line a glass measuring cup with cheesecloth or a nut bag 
  5. Pour the blended almonds in 
  6. Squeeze and press to extract about 2 cups of milk
  7. Refrigerate and use within 2 days 

Nutritional Value

Serving: 1/2 cup | Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.9g | Protein: 1.9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g

Health Benefits of Almond Milk 

Before trying any recipe, you should know the benefits it provides so we can consume it in the right portion size, at the right time and with the right meal. 

Let’s have a closer look at the health benefits that almond milk provides. 

  • Low-Calorie Drink: How can something made from almonds, which itself is high in calories, can be low in calories? Thanks to the processing used to make it, only a small portion of almonds is present in the finished product. This makes it great for people who want to cut on calories and lose weight without compromising taste. Unsweetened almond milk contains up to 80% fewer calories than regular dairy milk. Using it as a replacement for cow’s milk could be an effective weight loss strategy.
  • Low in Sugar: Homemade almond milk is low in sugar, which makes this nutty milk a guilt-free drink! Although commercially available ones might have sugar added to them, the homemade recipe above leaves the sugar content up to you. More so, since diabetics need to limit their carb intake, replacing dairy milk with almond milk may be a good way to achieve this. 
  • Hello Vitamin E: Not only is Almond Milk low in calories, but it is also a good way to sip in some Vitamin E, providing 37% of the daily Vitamin E requirement in just 30ml. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that combats inflammation and stress in the body.
  • Naturally, Lactose-Free: This is a boon for people with lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as Almond Milk is naturally lactose-free, making it a good alternative to dairy. 
  • Go Dairy Free and Vegan: Whether it is religious beliefs, health and environment or a lifestyle choice, veganism is the “in trend” right now and almond milk is nothing less than a blessing to Vegans. Albeit, it is low in protein and is not suitable as a full replacement for dairy in young children. 
  • Recipe Rich: If you’re worried that consuming this product will be boring, you need not worry. It can be used in various recipes. Apart from a refreshing beverage, it can be used along with cereal, muesli or oats for breakfast, in tea, coffee or hot chocolate, smoothies, while baking muffins and pancakes, soups, dressing, homemade ice creams or almond yoghurt! There are plenty of options to keep you interested! 

How excited are you to try this recipe at home? If you try it, do share your experience in the comments below! 

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Liquorice Root: The Magical, Medicinal Herb You Need Today

liquoriceSome spices and herbs from our grandmother’s stockpot are so precious that even today they are used in several households as home remedies. One such ayurvedic, age-old herb is Mulethi or Liquorice (also spelt as Licorice).

Liquorice is widely known for its exceptional flavor and is also used in several medicines as it claims to be anti-diabetic and antioxidant in nature, providing many health benefits.

Nutritional Value

Liquorice has an enticing scent, this comes from a variable and complex combination of compounds out of which anethole makes up 3% of the entire plant. Most of the sweetness comes from a substance called glycyrrhizin, it is generally 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar.

7 Health Benefits of Liquorice

  • Combats Digestive Issues: Mulethi is a magical root when it comes to curing digestive issues like acid reflux, stomach inflammation, ulcers, heartburn, acidity and constipation. It also acts as a mild laxative to regulate bowel movements.Dosage: Directly taken by mouth (chewing of the root) post meals, especially after dinner.
  • Keeps The Respiratory Tract Healthy: It aids in easing a sore throat, asthma, cold, cough and other respiratory issues. Chewing on Liquorice sticks is an age-old remedy for a sore throat. It thins and loosens the mucus inside the airways and eases coughing and congestion.Dosage:  If you want to avoid chewing on the sticks, you can also mix ginger juice to Liquorice tea. (Boiling Liquorice sticks in water)
  • Helps in Weight Reduction: Liquorice oil helps to reduce visceral fat and body fat to a great extent in overweight people. Infact, Liquorice supplements have proven to help people achieve lower BMI and Low Density Lipoprotein.
  • Improves Immunity: Regular use is helpful in boosting immunity due to the enzymes present in the root plant. It helps the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the body from microbes, pollutants, allergens. It is helpful to prevent microbial infections and also improve the defense mechanism of the body.Dosage: Directly taken by mouth (chewing of the root).
  • Protects the Liver: Liquorice roots help to treat certain disorders like Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis, Liver damage and Jaundice. It also has an anti-inflammatory property that soothes the liver.Dosage: Mixing Mulethi in a cup of warm tea twice a day for a couple of weeks can purify the liver and make it immune to diseases.
  • Improves Oral Health: Its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties also reduce the growth of bacteria which causes cavities. It also combats bad breath, reduces plaque and keeps the gums and teeth healthy and strong.Dosage: Dried Mulethi powder to be used for brushing teeth and mouthwash, or try gargling with the cooled mulethi tea.
  • Hormonal Regulation: The multipurpose herb also helps in correcting hormonal imbalances in the body and eases menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, depression, mood swings, and sweating, etc. It is also useful in relieving menstrual cramps, and regulating flow during menstruation.Dosage: Mulethi tea twice a day.

If you have been familiar with any of the issues listed above, you should definitely give Liquorice Root a try!

Was this article helpful? Want to know more about Liquorice Root? Type your queries down in the comments below!

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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]